Combined denture mold dewaxer and curing basin

Abstract

A basin for simultaneous or consecutive dewaxing and curing of denture molds is disclosed. The basin is generally box-shaped and is provided with three vertically-shaped trays of which the topmost remains above the high fluid level. The upper rear portion of the basin has a pivotally-secured frame-arm provided with a plurality of nozzles adapted to spray over the entire area of the topmost tray. The fluid from the nozzles drains back into the basin; a recirculating pump recirculates the fluid back into the nozzles. A separate fluid inlet is provided to fill the basin for curing. The basin is further provided with an upper and lower fluid level-limiting means, a heating element, a thermostat and, preferably, an automatic timer.

What I claim is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for dewaxing and curing denture molds, comprising a frame and a basin mounted within said frame, said basin having a pair of spaced end walls, a rear wall, a front wall and a bottom floor wall; said basin adapted to be filled with a liquid; said basin being provided with a first topmost tray mounted on first support means in the upper portion of said basin; a second and a third, middle and lowermost, trays respectively spaced downwardly from said first tray and vertically from each other; second and third support means for said second and third trays respectively; said topmost tray being adapted to support denture flask halves for the dewaxing thereof; further comprising a frame-arm extending across the top portion of said basin and pivotally secured to the latter adjacent the upper rear edge thereof; said frame-arm being of hollow construction and provided with a plurality of shower nozzles adapted to spray liquid over the entire area of said topmost tray; said frame-arm being pivotable between a horizontal spray position and a non-use vertical position; a recirculating pump mounted in said frame and operatively connected to said frame-arm and to said basin; further comprising a heating element located adjacent said floor wall and below said lowermost tray; and a thermostat connected to said heating element to selectively control the temperature of said liquid. 
     
     
       2. An apparatus of the type defined in claim 1, wherein said first, second and third trays are perforated with a plurality of holes. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, further including an inlet valve connected to an external liquid supply, and drain means for said basin. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus of the type defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second support means are lateral guideways and said first and second trays are laterally slidable thereon and removable therefrom. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus of the type defined in claim 4, wherein said third support means are legs at each corner of said third tray, whereby the latter is spaced above said bottom wall. 
     
     
       6. An apparatus of the type defined in claim 3, wherein said basin is provided with an upper and a lower liquid-level limiting means. 
     
     
       7. An apparatus of the type defined in claim 6, wherein said upper and lower liquid-level limiting means consist of a first and second sensor respectively, located in one end wall just under said topmost tray and just under said lowermost tray respectively; both said sensors being electrically connected to said inlet valve, whereby said inlet valve is opened when the fluid level falls to said second sensor, and shut when the fluid level reaches said first sensor. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus of the type defined in claim 1, wherein said heating element is electrically connected to an automatic timer.